A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. Utrecht for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Utrecht?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Funchal or Utrecht? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Funchal or Utrecht?

Funchal

Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.

Utrecht

Utrecht is both a province and a city in the Netherlands. The city is a unique university city with a lively atmosphere. Imagine Amsterdam but smaller, and with fewer tourists. Utrecht has the same underlying historical/magical feel as Amsterdam, but is full of locals rather than crowds of tourists. It has a population of about 300,000 making it the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Utrecht or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Utrecht is €189. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Funchal and Utrecht in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Utrecht 106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Utrecht 212
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Utrecht

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Utrecht? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Funchal


Hotels in Utrecht


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Funchal Hotel Prices and Utrecht Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Utrecht 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
  • Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
  • Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
  • Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
  • Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Utrecht

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Utrecht:

  • Private transfer from Utrecht to AMS Schiphol Airport: $120
  • Private taxi transfer from Utrecht to Amsterdam: $101
  • Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Rotterdam: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Utrecht?

Prices for flights to both Utrecht and Funchal change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Funchal 31
    Utrecht 58
Typical Food Prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • Coffee
    1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal

For Funchal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal: $31
  • Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $41
  • Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $76
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Utrecht

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Utrecht.

  • City Boat Tour & Balkan Restaurant Lunch OR Dinner: $31
  • Vegan Food Tour like a local. Eat, walk, enjoy.: $70
  • Vegan Food Tour by bike in get of the beaten track! : $71
  • Vegan Food Tour like a Local: eat, walk, enjoy Utrecht: $71
  • Guided Food Tour: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Utrecht 44

Tours and Activities in Funchal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.

  • Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Sacred Art Museum of Funchal Entry Ticket: $11
  • Old Funchal Walking Tour: $15
  • Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour: $25
  • Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1: $27
  • Christmas Lights in Funchal Tuk Tuk Tour: $27
  • São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
  • Majestic West Tour : $31
  • Amazing East Tour : $31
  •  Magnificent East Tour: $33
  • Exorbitant West Tour: $33
  • Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33

Tours and Activities in Utrecht

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Utrecht are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Utrecht Family Walking Tour: $163
  • Captivating Utrecht Family Walking Tour: $321
  • Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht: $8.99
  • Christmas Joy in Utrecht Walking Tour: $448
  • Christmas Joy in Utrecht Walking Tour: $210
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $11
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $13
  • Discover Utrecht with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • Discover Utrecht’s Zocherpark in this Outside Escape game tour!: $27
  • Discover Utrecht’s city center in this Outside Escape game tour!: $22
  • Explore Gems of Utrecht Walking Tour for Couples: $341
  • Explore Gems of Utrecht Walking Tour for Couples: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Utrecht 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Skywalk and 4x4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting: $49
  • Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $53
  • Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $53
  • Wine tasting and Jeep Adventure in Madeira's Majestic Countryside: $56
  • Pub Crawl: $59
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
  • Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $97
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $102
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
  • Wine Tour by Overland Madeira: $150
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158

Sample the Local Flavors in Utrecht

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Utrecht:

  • Utrecht Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Utrecht Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Utrecht, we can see that Utrecht is more expensive. And not only is Funchal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Funchal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Funchal and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht than you might in Funchal.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Utrecht Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Utrecht?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Utrecht, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Funchal or Utrecht?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Funchal or Utrecht in the Summer?

Both Utrecht and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

In July, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Utrecht. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Utrecht 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Utrecht in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Utrecht. Furthermore, many travelers come to Utrecht for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Funchal is much warmer than Utrecht in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Utrecht 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Utrecht in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Utrecht. Additionally, many visitors come to Utrecht in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Utrecht can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Utrecht averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Utrecht. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Utrecht 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Utrecht in the Spring?

Both Utrecht and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Utrecht for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Utrecht 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Funchal

Funchal Utrecht
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)